CRI听力:Energy-saving Bulbs Recycle Raises Disposal Problem

In 2008 China initiated a Green Lights project to encourage the use of energy-saving lights. Such lights are five times more durable than regular lights and five times more energy efficient.

The project is helpful for energy conservation, but the popularity of energy-saving lights may also pose a threat to the environment.

An energy-saving light salesman, surnamed Zhang, has more:

"People simply toss them away. For longer ones, they break them up and throw them into the rubbish bin. Sanitary workers break them too."

Most citizens are not aware of the risks. Each energy-saving light contains an average of five milligrams mercury. If exposed, such a small amount can pollute 300 cubic meters of air, or 180 tons of water. In 2011, China produced 4.7 billion energy-saving lights, nearly 2 billion of which were used in the domestic market. If these lights are not properly treated, they can create 95 tons of mercury.

Doctor Shi Lin with the South China University of Technology College of Environmental Science and Engineering evaluate the environmental risk.

"The substance can be absorbed by fish in the water and will in turn be taken in by those who eat the fish. Too much mercury in the human body will cause Minamata disease."

Some still remember the disease that plagued Japan in the early half of the 20th century. This is why volunteers are collecting these used bulbs, but they are not organized and do not have enough support.

Some professional recycling companies have considered taking up the task, but since the economic prospects are uncertain, they are not willing to take the risk. Recycling manager Yang Jingshan explains.

"Although every household uses energy-saving lights, no system has been fully developed to recycle them. We don't know how many bulbs we can actually get back from each household, and that makes it hard to calculate our costs. In this case, we won't dare invest without government subsidies."

In the southern Province of Guangdong, recycling used to be the responsibility of light manufacturers. Companies that refuse to recycle used bulbs are subject to fines of less than 10,000 yuan, but the regulation has never been carried out.

Peng Peng, a researcher with the Guangzhou Academy of Social Sciences, calls for legal means to curb the danger of pollution.

"There must be recycling laws to go with the promotion of energy-saving lights. Otherwise, the more people use the lights, the more pollution they will create, and that undermines the effects of conservation."

Other suggestions include subsidies for both individuals and enterprises who contribute to the recycling. But, above all, informing the public about the potential threat is the most urgent necessity.

For CRI, I'm Lai Ming.